West Long Branch, NJ -- Monmouth University men's tennis senior Benjamin Evenden (Cresco, Pa./Ridgewood, N.J.) was recently nominated for the prestigious Rhodes Scholar Award by university committee members for his outstanding success on and off the courts. Evenden, who owns a 3.99 GPA majoring in business finance, became the first Monmouth University nominee for the prominent award in nine years.
"To be nominated {for the Rhodes Scholarship Award} is an ultimate achievement for any student," pointed out Assistant Dean of Business School, Noah Hart. "This is outstanding accomplishment coming from Monmouth for such a celebrated award. The interviewing process is extremely competitive, but we know {Evenden} will do a great job and has a good shot at the scholarship."
The world's oldest fellowship program - established in 1902 through the will of Cecil John Rhodes - the Rhodes Scholar Award is awarded to only 90 students across the globe each year, making it one of the most highly coveted scholarships in the world. The students eligible to apply to become a Rhodes Scholar are to have a fondness for sports, or success in sports, strong moral character, devotion to duty, interest in one's fellow citizens and desire to lead.
Being a Rhodes Scholar is quite an accomplishment and comes with extraordinary benefits. Not only is full tuition paid, but students also receive a generous stipend to live on, and may receive additional scholarships through Oxford. It also is a matter of some significant pride for those presented the scholarship, and usually implies great scholastic ability. Famous American Rhodes scholars include NBA Hall of Famer and former presidential candidate Bill Bradley; writer/educator Alain Locke; singer/songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson; diplomat Strobe Talbott, who helped negotiate an end to the war in Yugoslavian in 1999; and former president Bill Clinton.
Evenden, the Hawks leader at both number one singles and first doubles, possesses a coveted resume of both on the tennis court and in the classroom achievements. The 2007 NEC Men's Tennis Scholar Athlete of the Year honoree, Evenden's academic accomplishments include: spot on the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II second team, consistent member of the '4.0 Club' at MU, seven-time member of the Dean's List, NEC Scholar-Athlete, associate of the Economics and Finance Club, member of Chi Alpha Sigma (National College Athlete Honor Society), and Carnegie Council student visitation affiliate.
A 2007 All-NEC second team honoree at first singles and first doubles, Evenden helped the men's tennis team advanced all the way to the championship match in the NEC Tournament in 07, the first time MU has reached the finals since the league switched to a team-flighted format in 1999. Evenden will look to continue his success this spring championship season, taking with him a 1-10 first singles and 2-1 first doubles record from the fall.
The Hawks return to the hard courts this afternoon as they travel to St. Peter's for a non-conference match at 3:30 pm.